Quick release attachment and detachment system

ABSTRACT

A Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system comprising a protective outer garment including a shirt with an attached loop fastening material, a bib apron without neck straps, and a quick release attachment and detachment device fastened to the garment, wherein the device includes hook fastening material, wherein the device is configured to couple the bib apron to the shirt.

FIELD

The disclosure relates to an apron or bib apron.

BACKGROUND

An apron is an outer protective garment configured to protect the weareror the wearer's clothing from the wearer's environment. Aprons may beused by individuals under several circumstances. Chefs tend to wearaprons while cooking in the kitchen. Homemakers tend to wear apronswhile cleaning. Surgeons tend to wear aprons while working in operatingrooms. Mechanics tend to wear aprons while working in industrialsettings.

Several types of aprons are known. Waist aprons cover the wearer's bodyfrom the waist down. Bib aprons cover the wearer's upper body andtypically cover the wearer's entire body. Other types of aprons includepinafore, cobbler apron, as well as aprons which covers the wearer'sarms or sleeves.

Most bib aprons are held in place by strips of cloth. The strips ofcloth are designed to be tied on the back of the neck of the wearer oron the backside of the waist of the wearer. One strip of cloth isdesigned to hang around the neck that is either adjustable/fixed and theother strips of cloth tied on the backside of the waist of the wearerfor fit. Other bib aprons are held in place by shoulder straps. Shoulderstraps may criss-cross on the back of the wearer. Strips of clothsupported by the neck of the wearer or shoulder straps which surroundthe neck of the wearer may impede neck movement of the wearer. Neckstrap bib aprons may also ensnare the wearer if the apron is caught onsomething. Neck straps are known to endanger the wearer in the eventthat the apron is caught on a moving object, machinery or anythinghanging out in a workplace environment.

The weight of a traditional bib apron pulls on the neck, by its design.This pulling has been known to cause neck, back and feet problems over aperiod of time if not addressed.

SUMMARY

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system allows a wearer toquickly and easily attach or remove a bib apron without the need for aneck strap to hold the bib part of the apron up. The removal of neckstraps saves the time and effort to tie or untie the neck straps or tohave another helper tie or untie the neck straps. The removal of neckstraps promotes safety, form, mobility and function while permittingease of attachment and detachment. The Quick Release Attachment andDetachment mechanism is what makes this product function like atraditional bib apron. It allows for a quick-release if pulled, snaggedor hung on anything making injuries less likely to happen in the eventof an accident. This system is beneficial to all individuals includingwearers who are frequently transitioning between a workplace environmentwhere the apron is needed and a presentation environment where the apronis not used.

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system also allows thewearer to have a bib apron without the continual pull of the weight ofthe apron on the neck of the wearer.

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system also allows thewearer to quickly and easily put on or remove their shirt because thesystem does not inhibit the opening or closing of the placket of theshirt.

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system also allows thewearer to wash their shirt without causing damage to other washed items.The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system also allows thewearer to wash the apron or QRAD device without causing damage to otherwashed items.

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment system also allows thewearer's shirt to show a display when the apron is not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and themanner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosureitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the Quick Release Attachment andDetachment (“QRAD”) system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1B is a front view of the Quick Release Attachment and Detachment(“QRAD”) system illustrating the attachment and detachment mechanismaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1AA is a front view of a chef coat according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 1 BB is a front view of another configuration of the chef coat ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a T-shirt according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a polo shirt according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2C is a front view of a button down shirt according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a front view of an apron according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a back view of the apron of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A is a magnified back view of the apron of FIG. 3A highlighting anaspect of the Quick Release Attachment and Detachment mechanism(“QRAD”).

FIG. 4B is a magnified back view of the apron of FIG. 3A highlighting anaspect of the Quick Release Attachment and Detachment (“QRAD”) system.

FIG. 5A is a back view of the QRAD of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the QRAD of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6A is a front view of an advertising strip according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a back view of the advertising strip of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a front view of a polo shirt of FIG. 2B with the advertisingstrip of FIG. 6A.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the present disclosure, the drawings are not necessarilyto scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to betterillustrate and explain the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive orlimit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the followingdetailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and describedso that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Alldistance and length measurements are exemplary. Several alternativedistance and length measurements are envisioned.

FIG. 1A illustrates the Quick Release Attachment and Detachment (“QRAD”)system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1Billustrates the attachment and detachment mechanism of the QRAD system10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The Quick Release Attachment and Detachment (“QRAD”) system 10 includesseveral major components. First, QRAD system 10 includes shirt 12 withloop fastening material 13 of attachment 14 fastened to shirt 12. Asshown in FIGS. 1A-2C, attachment 14 is located adjacent to chest 15 ofwearer 17. Second, QRAD system 10 includes apron 16 with QRAD device 18.

Attachment 14 may include multiple parts or multiple attachments 14(such as a plurality of attachments) may be fastened to different areasof shirt 12 in order to accommodate an opening of shirt 12. In FIGS. 1AAand 1BB, shirt 12 is illustrated as a double breasted chef coat (alsoknown as a chef jacket). In this embodiment, first attachment 20 may befastened to a first lateral side 22 of body 24 of shirt 12. For thisexample, first lateral side 22 is described as the left side from theperspective of wearer 17. A portion of first attachment 20 may befastened to left flap 26 of shirt 12.

Similarly, second attachment 27 may be fastened to second lateral side28 of body 24 of shirt 12. For this example, second lateral side 28 isdescribed as the right side from the perspective of wearer 17. A portionof second attachment 27 may be fastened to right flap 30 of shirt 12.

In an alternative embodiment, an interior surface of either left flap 26or right flap 30 may include the corresponding hook fastening material(not shown). Under this exemplary embodiment, when either flap overlapsthe other flap, hook fastening material fastens to exposed loopfastening material 13 of either first or second attachment 27.

It is envisioned that attachment 14 may be designed to different lengthsand widths. All length and width measurements are exemplary. In oneexemplary embodiment, attachment 14 is within the range of approximatelyone inch (1″) to approximately nine inches (9″) in length. This lengthis measured laterally from one lateral side (for example first lateralside 22 of wearer 17) to the other lateral side (for example secondlateral side 28 of wearer 17). In one exemplary embodiment, attachment14 is approximately one inch (1″) in width. This width is measuredperpendicular to the length.

Attachment 14 may be located at a specified distance from top 32 ofeither flap 26 or flap 30 of chef coat 34. Top 32 is alternativelydescribed as placket 36 where placket 36 is an opening in the upperportion of shirt 12 which allows wearer 17 to easily put on or removeshirt 12. As an additional alternative description, attachment 14 may belocated on shirt 12 at a specified distance from shirt collar 38.

In one embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1AA and 1BB, attachment 14 islocated approximately four inches (4″) from top 32 of flap 26 or flap 30of chef coat 34. Placement of attachment 14 on shirt 12 is made based onthe following factors: style of shirt, type of shirt, and shirtconfigured to gender of wearer 17.

In FIG. 2A, shirt 12 is illustrated as a T-shirt. In this embodiment,attachment 14 is fastened to body 24 of shirt 12. Attachment 14 iscentered on body 24 and is located adjacent to chest 15 of wearer 17. Itis envisioned that attachment 14 may be located in relation to theopening of shirt 12.

In FIG. 2B, shirt 12 is illustrated as a polo shirt. In this embodiment,attachment 14 may be fastened to body 24 of shirt 12 adjacent to placket36. In an alternative embodiment, first portion 40 of attachment 14 maybe fastened to flap 26 or first lateral side 22 of shirt 12 while secondportion 42 of attachment 14 may be fastened to body 24 of shirt 12.

In FIG. 2C, shirt 12 is illustrated as a button down shirt (alsodescribed as an oxford button up). In this embodiment, first portion 40of attachment 14 may be fastened to flap 26 or first lateral side 22 ofshirt 12 while second portion 42 of attachment 14 may be fastened tobody 24 of shirt 12. In an alternative embodiment, multiple attachments14 may be fastened to opposing sides of shirt 12 in order to accommodateopening of shirt 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-2C, several configurations of attachment 14are attached to shirt 12 without hindering or obstructing opening ofshirt 12. Attachment 14 is preferably made of loop fastening material 13instead of hook fastening material. Loop fastening material 13 is easilywashable without scratching or attaching to other washed items. It isalso envisioned that, as an alternative, attachment 14 may be made ofhook fastening material and that a cover (not shown) made of loopfastening material 13 would be used to prevent washing problems.

Attachment 14 is configured to attach to and support apron 16 (FIGS. 3Aand 3B). Apron 16 is defined as a bib apron since apron 16 covers thewearer's upper body. Apron 16 includes waist straps 44 which tie aroundwaist 46 of wearer similar to a traditional apron. However apron 16differs from a traditional bib apron. Apron 16 does not include neckstraps. Without neck straps, embodiments of the present disclosurereduce the potential for injury. Instead of including neck straps, apron16 utilizes Quick Release Attachment and Detachment (“QRAD”) device 18.

As shown in FIG. 3B, QRAD device 18 is attached to back side 47 of apron16. Hook fastening material 48 on QRAD device 18 is configured to attachto loop fastening material 13 of attachment 14 on shirt 12. Fasteninghook fastening material 48 of QRAD device 18 to loop fastening material13 of attachment 14 supports apron 16. Under this configuration, apron16 is supported without the use of neck straps. Apron 16 covers andprotects wearer's upper body and clothing without the use of neckstraps.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, apron 16 includes quick release handle tabs50. It is envisioned that quick release handle tabs 50 may form a loopor handle tabs 50 may be an additional loop of material of apron 16. Inoperation, wearer 17 grabs quick release handle tabs 50 in order torelease apron 16 from attachment 14. Wearer 17 grabs quick releasehandle tabs 50 and peels apron 16 away from shirt 12. FIG. 1Billustrates a partially peeled and partially attached apron 16 accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

All length and width measurements are exemplary. In one exemplaryembodiment, quick release handle tab 50 is approximately one inch (1″)in length. This length is measured laterally from one lateral side (forexample first lateral side 22 of wearer 17) to the other lateral side(for example second lateral side 28 of wearer 17). In one exemplaryembodiment, quick release handle tab 50 is approximately one inch (1″)in width. This width is measured perpendicular to the length.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show QRAD device 18 in detail. In FIG. 4A, QRAD device18 is shown in an open configuration. Hook fastening material 48 of QRADdevice 18 is configured to attach to loop fastening material 13 ofattachment 14 or loop fastening material 52 on QRAD device 18. Loopfastening material 52 on QRAD device 18 is shown hanging beneath hookfastening material 48.

In FIG. 4B, QRAD device 18 is shown in a closed configuration. Apron 16includes hook fastening material 48 of QRAD device 18. QRAD device 18also includes loop fastening material 52 in order to attach to hookfastening material 48. In this closed configuration, hook fasteningmaterial 48 of QRAD device 18 and loop fastening material 52 of QRADdevice 18 are attached together. When apron 16 is being washed, loopfastening material 52 is used to cover hook fastening material 48 soapron 16 is easily washable without scratching or attaching to otherwashed items. When apron 16 is not in use, loop fastening material 52 ofQRAD device 18 may be used to cover hook fastening material 48 of QRADdevice 18 to prevent apron 16 from attaching to other items.

FIG. 4B also illustrates twill tape hanging hook 54. In one embodiment,hanging hook 54 is fastened to top portion 56 of apron 16 and QRADdevice 18 is sewn to top portion 56 of apron by sewing over hanging hook54. In alternative embodiments, hanging hook 54 is fastened to one ofapron 16 or QRAD device 18.

All length and width measurements are exemplary. In one exemplaryembodiment, hanging hook 54 is approximately two and three-quartersinches (2.75″) in length. This length is measured parallel (along thesame orientation) to the width measurements of QRAD device 18.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, QRAD device 18 is comprised of flip cover58, hook fastening material 48 and loop fastening material 52. Flipcover 58 may be comprised of any material, such as plastic or cloth. Inone illustrative embodiment, flip cover 58 is comprised of cloth. Inthis illustrative embodiment, cloth has been folded over and sewn toincrease strength and inhibit shredded edges. Flip cover 58 is used as aframe portion for attaching hook fastening material 48 and loopfastening material 52.

Flip cover 58 may be crafted to meet desired specifications for QRADdevice 18. For example, flip cover 58 may be designed to differentlengths and widths. All length and width measurements are exemplary. Inone exemplary embodiment, flip cover 58 is approximately nine andone-half inches (9.5″) in length. This length is measured to matchorientation with the length measurement for attachment 14 (FIGS. 1A-2C).In one exemplary embodiment, flip cover 58 is approximately three andone-half inches (3.5″) in width. This width is measured perpendicular tothe length.

Flip cover 58 is configured in length to attach to apron 16. Flip cover58 can be sewn to the inside top portion of apron 16 as illustrated inthe embodiments of FIG. 3B, 4A, or 4B. Flip cover 58 is preferablyfastened between quick release handle tabs 50 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and4B).

It is envisioned that hook fastening material 48 and/or loop fasteningmaterial 52 may be designed to different lengths and widths. All lengthand width measurements are exemplary. In one exemplary embodiment, hookfastening material 48 and loop fastening material 52 are each within therange of approximately one inch (1″) to approximately nine inches (9″)in length. This length is measured to correspond to attachment 14 (FIGS.1A-2C) as well as to correspond with each other. In one exemplaryembodiment, each of hook fastening material 48 and loop fasteningmaterial 52 are approximately one inch (1″) in width. This width ismeasured perpendicular to the length.

When QRAD device 18 is being washed, loop fastening material 52 is usedto cover hook fastening material 48 so QRAD device 18 is easily washablewithout scratching or attaching to other washed items. When QRAD device18 is not in use, loop fastening material 52 of QRAD device 18 may beused to cover hook fastening material 48 of QRAD device 18 to preventQRAD device 18 from attaching to other items.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate advertising strip 60. FIG. 6C illustratesshirt 12 with advertising strip 60. When apron 16 is not in use, shirt12 including attachment 14 with loop fastening material 13 provides aunique opportunity for the wearer 17 to display words, phrases, symbolsor designs, company name, logo, image or slogan. Front side 62 ofadvertising strip 60 provides a surface for display. Back side 64 ofadvertising strip 60 includes hook fastening material 66 configured toattach to loop fastening material 13 of attachment 14.

While this disclosure has been described as having an exemplary design,the present disclosure may be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

1. A protective garment system comprising: a shirt including anattachment including loop fastening material, a bib apron excluding neckstraps, and a quick release attachment and detachment device fastened tothe back side of the apron, wherein the device includes hook fasteningmaterial configured to attach to the loop fastening material of theshirt.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the shirt is a double breastedchef coat.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the double breasted chefcoat includes a plurality of attachments, wherein the plurality ofattachments includes a first attachment located on one side of thedouble breasted chef coat and a second attachment located on anotherside of the double breasted chef coat.
 4. The system of claim 3 whereineach of the first and second attachments include loop fasteningmaterial.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment is located onthe body of the shirt and adjacent to the chest of a wearer of theshirt.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment is approximatelynine inches in length as measured laterally and wherein the attachmentis approximately one inch in width as measured perpendicular to length.7. The system of claim 1 wherein the attachment is located adjacent toand directly below a placket of the shirt.
 8. The system of claim 1wherein the apron includes quick release handle tabs located near thetop of the apron.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the device furtherincludes a flip cover and loop fastening material attached to the flipcover, wherein the hook fastening material of the device is attached tothe flip cover.
 10. The system of claim 6 wherein the loop fasteningmaterial of the device is configured to attach to the hook fasteningmaterial of the device.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein either theapron or the device includes a hanging hook.
 12. The system of claim 1further comprising an advertising strip including hook fastenermaterial, wherein the advertising strip is configured to couple to theloop fastener material of shirt.
 13. A protective garment systemcomprising: a shirt including an attachment including loop fasteningmaterial and a bib apron including hook fastening material configured toattach to the loop fastening material of the shirt, wherein the bibapron includes a handle tab configured to separate hook fasteningmaterial of the bib apron from the loop fastening material of the shirt.14. The system of claim 13 wherein the handle tab is configured to begrabbed by a wearer.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein the handle tabforms a loop.
 16. The system of claim 13 further comprising a QRADdevice attached to the bib apron.